Welcome to my homepage.

The two main hobbies of mine are Brass Banding and Walking, an odd combination you might think. Nonetheless, I manage to fit them both in whenever I have a free moment, which is getting less and less these days. There are currently two links below which cover both interests. Please feel free to have a look at the photos and read the write-ups. I must confess that Karen (my WIFE) does most of the editorial, and what a wonderful job she does.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the write-ups and the pictures on my website. Regards, Ian.

For my Business Website and contact details
click the link opposite

Our holiday in India and Sri Lanka Dec 2003 - Jan 2004,
if you would like to see the pictures click on the icon above.

I began cornet lessons at the age of 8 (1979), playing in the schools band. I joined Burnage Junior Band, and then the Senior Band in 1982. At the same time I also played with Werneth Concert Band on Trumpet. I stayed with Burnage for 4 years, progressing up the ranks – 3rd, 2nd, Rep and finishing a tour around Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium on Soprano!

After leaving Burnage I joined Marple B as Principal Cornet staying for only a year. After which I gave it all up, for girls, beer and exams! (In that order!)

After 15 years of gathering dust at my parents house, I recently picked up the old cornet (late 2001). Slowly getting back into it, I joined Hazel Grove Brass Band as the neighbours were getting tired of listening to the C major scale everynight.

My claim to fame is that I played at the Commonwealth Games. No not the men's 100 metres, I was one of the five who led the mass brass band on. I had the added advantage of being stood next to the cameraman, so my profile was on the big screen and broadcast all over the World. I currently play for VBS Poynton Brass Band.

I have been walking for many years now, not continuosly of course! The first walk I took part in, was Blencathra, in the Lake District, it was a scramble, Sharp Edge (the name doesn't fill you with confidence!). Scrambles are graded between 1 and 3s, easy to hard, and may/will require ropes (I try and stay away from these, although my walking friends usually head that way).

It was a beautiful sunny day up in the Lakes when I completed this scramble, and was overwhelmed when I turned to look at the ridge I'd just climbed. I was totally hooked from then on. Each year 'the lads' take a week off work to travel up the UK and climb the major ranges within England Scotland and Wales.

I have now completed the 4 Peaks, the 4th being in Ireland, Carrauntuohill within the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerry. Although we did have to have two 'goes' for this mountain, the weather was appaulling on the first attempt, plus we couldn't find the start of the route! Our navigational skills have got better over the years I must add (with the help of technology).